Missing woman Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe after a huge investigation into her disappearance, but her family are still grappling with the harrowing reality of losing her father to the search
Hannah Kobayashi: Missing Hawaii woman ‘found safe and well’
Missing woman Hannah Kobayashi has been found alive and well following a desperate search that resulted in harrowing family tragedy.
Aspiring photographer Hannah, 30, vanished on November 11 after intentionally missing her connecting flight at LAX while travelling from Maui, Hawaii, to New York. A frantic search ensued, and two days later, police determined that she was a ‘voluntary missing person’ after footage emerged of her crossing the border into Mexico.
In a desperately sad turn of events, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide after tirelessly searching for his daughter for 13 days. Sharing the news via the “Help Us Find Hannah” Facebook page at the time, the grieving family posted: “This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably. What the family needs most in this difficult time is for all communities to rally around them with support, compassion, and prayers. Please be considerate with your comments and posts.”
Hannah’s mother and sister, Brandi Yee and Sydni Kobayashi, have expressed their great relief at her having been found safe after what has been an “unimaginable ordeal” for the family. And now it has emerged that Hannah had journeyed to New York with her new Argentinean husband, Alan Cacace, in a bid to trick authorities into thinking their marriage was genuine, according to Mail Online.
However, details surrounding the circumstances of Hannah’s disappearance have not yet been confirmed by police, who yesterday (December 11) released the following statement: “We are happy to learn that Hannah has been found safe. Now that we have this new information, this has become a private matter, and we will wrap up our investigation.”
Meanwhile, Hannah’s family has issued a statement through their lawyer, announcing: “We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us.”
Before her disappearance, Hannah was last seen collecting her luggage at the LA airport before disappearing seemingly into thin air. LA police later shared that security footage captured near Tijuana, some 145 miles from Los Angeles, “clearly” showed Hannah crossing over into Mexico by foot, having “knowingly departed” the airport after checking in her bags and purchasing a bus ticket.
At the time, LAPD Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton told reporters: “She was alone with her luggage and appeared unharmed. At this time, Kobayashi’s case has been classified as a voluntary missing person.” Meanwhile, a police statement noted Hannah’s expressed “desire to step away from modern connectivity” Before she vanished, aspiring Hannah reportedly texted a friend, revealing that she’d experienced a “spiritual awakening”.
A number of family members, friends and local volunteers searched for Hannah in Los Angeles after she vanished, including her late father, Ryan, who flew over from Hawaii. Ryan was found dead on November 24 in a car park close to LA International Airport, as per the county medical examiner. Hannah’s family confirmed Ryan’s death in a statement made that same day, revealing that they’d “endured a devastating tragedy” and that he’d died by suicide.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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